When the Team USA roster was announced, it was a little surprising that neither Cole Caufield nor Lane Hutson made the initial roster. The Canadiens once again had a chance to see Hutson head to the Olympics after Seth Jones' injury. Unfortunately, it was more of the same as Bill Guerin went in another direction and named Jackson LaCombe the replacement.
It is hard to imagine that Team USA wouldn't want a player like Lane Hutson, especially with the season he is having with 52 points in 50 games. He is second in points in the NHL among defensemen but first in assists with 43.
Pierre LeBrun believes LaCombe's skillset replaces Seth Jones more than Lane Hutson
Recently, Pierre LeBrun was on TSN and asked the question of why LaCombe was selected over Hutson. The NHL insider said that LaCombe was very close to being on the initial roster, and the feeling was that any injury among the blueline, he would be the first player added.
LeBrun also noted that LaCombe is more of an all-around player like Seth Jones, so the skill set aligns. "Look at who he is replacing, Seth Jones, and he's such a good player at both ends of the ice, and they're looking for sort of that kind of skill set from Jackson LaCombe," LeBrun said.
He explained that when it came to Lane Hutson, he believes that they already have a few players with the same skill set as the Canadiens' defenseman. "I think that when you're Team USA GM Bill Guerin, you're looking at Quinn Hughes, you're looking at Zach Werenski, and you're feeling that you have enough of that kind of high-end offensive talent, certainly for your power play."
From that point, it certainly makes sense why Team USA would want to add a player like LaCombe, who has a little more size and brings a little more to the defensive zone. However, if the goal is to have the best players on the roster, it is hard to understand how Hutson continues to get overlooked.
The Canadiens' defenseman is still early in his career, and with his current trajectory, he should be a lock for Team USA the next time the Olympics come around. It is disappointing, though, for him not be there this year when he clearly could have a positive impact. However, it is something that could benefit Montreal as a motivator for him to continue to make an impact down the stretch this season.